Determination of the effect of different atmospheric conditions on bioactive components of various citrus juices

In this study, effects of various gas atmosphere (O2, CO2 and N2) and holding times (15, 30, 45 and 60 min) on changing of bioactive compounds (limonin, nomilin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, naringin, chlorogenic acid, ascorbic acid and total carotenoid, total phenolic content) were investigated in four different citrus varieties (Washington Navel, Valencia, Kozan Yerli and sour orange). When all gas atmospheres were evaluated, the effects of atmospheric gases on ascorbic acid, chlorogenic acid, naringin, neohesperidine, limonin contents were insignificant. Whereas the effects of different atmospheric conditions on total carotenoid, total phenolic, hesperidin, naringin contents were found significant. N2 gas had a protective effect on total carotenoid content of Washington Navel, Kozan Yerli, sour orange and total phenolic content of all citrus varieties. The highest content of ascorbic acid was detected for the samples kept under CO2. The bitter constituents (naringin, limonin, nomilin and neohesperidin) were found mostly in sour orange juice.